Balloonsonde launcher

ABSTRACT

An automated balloonsonde launcher and a method for an automated balloonsonde launch are disclosed. The automated balloonsonde launcher, for example, may comprise a collapsible protective cover forming an inner region for receiving a balloon, a gas inlet for receiving a gas, a gas outlet for mating with a balloon, a valve operable between the gas inlet and the gas outlet for inflating a balloon within the inner region of the protective cover. The launcher further comprises a controller that controls the valve to inflate a balloon within the protective cover, opens an opening in the protective cover and releases a balloon through the opening of the protective cover.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/462,363 entitled “Distributed Platform AutomatedBalloonsonde Launcher” and filed by Patrick French et al. on Apr. 11,2003, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to an automated balloonsonde launcher.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Balloonsondes are small balloon-borne instrument packages used toacquire various atmospheric data. Balloons and sondes, once released,ascend vertically above the earth's surface, collect instrument readingsand transmit those readings in a radio signal. Ground-based telemetryreceivers monitor and log these transmissions. The receiver, forexample, may create a “vertical sounding profile” by compiling datacollected as the balloonsonde rises through the atmosphere. Verticalsounding profiles may then be used in atmospheric models, which arebecoming increasingly sophisticated. Sondes are considered to be one ofthe best sources of data for these profiles because they are able tocollect information over a large range of altitudes.

Balloonsondes are traditionally launched by hand because the balloon,once inflated with gas, is highly susceptible to puncture or tearing. Inaddition, large, complex and expensive automated systems for launchingballoonsondes have been developed. These systems include a chamber inwhich the balloon is protected while it is being inflated. The chambermust be large enough to hold a fully-inflated balloon.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In certain applications, however, it is desirable to minimize the sizeof the automated balloonsonde launcher system. Where the system isportable, for example, it is desirable to provide an automatedballoonsonde launcher system that is small and may be easily moved.Also, where the automated balloonsonde launcher system is to be operatedfrom a location, such as on a commercial ship deck, where the footprintor volume of the launcher system is an issue, it is desirable to providea system that provides a smaller footprint or volume.

In one embodiment, an automated method of launching a balloon comprisesproviding a collapsible protective cover comprising a flexible materialforming an inner region and a balloon. At least a portion of the balloonis inflated under the direction of a controller within at least aportion of said inner region of said protective cover. When the balloonhas been inflated, at least a portion of the protective cover is openedto expose the balloon and the balloon is released through the opening ofsaid inflatable structure.

In another embodiment, a balloon launcher comprises a collapsibleprotective cover comprising a flexible material forming an inner region,a gas inlet for receiving a gas, a gas outlet for mating with a balloon,a valve operable between the gas inlet and the gas outlet for inflatingthe balloon with the gas within said inner region of said collapsibleprotective cover, and a controller. The controller is adapted to controlthe valve to inflate a balloon within the protective cover, to open anopening in the protective cover and to release a balloon through theopening in the protective cover.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention comprises a distributedplatform automated balloonsonde launcher. In this embodiment, theballoonsonde launcher comprises a control module and one or more launchmodules linked to the control module. The control module comprises acontroller for controlling the launch of a balloon from the launchmodule. The control module further comprises an inflating gas supply.The launch module comprises a protective cover and a local controllerfor inflating a balloon at least partially within said protective cover.When the balloon has been inflated, the protective cover is opened,exposing the balloon, and the balloon is released.

In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a portableballoonsonde launcher. In this embodiment, the portable balloonsondelauncher comprises a combined control module and launch module forlaunching a balloonsonde. The portable balloonsonde launcher comprises areservoir for storing an inflating gas, a protective cover comprising aflexible material and a balloon located at least partially within theprotective cover The portable balloonsonde launcher further comprises acontroller for inflating a balloon at least partially within theprotective cover, opening at least a portion of the protective cover toexpose the balloon and releasing the balloon through the opening of theprotective cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a broken front view of one embodiment of an automatedballoonsonde launcher of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a broken front view of the embodiment of the automatedballonsonde launcher of FIG. 1 with a protective cover loaded in alaunch module of the launcher;

FIG. 3 shows a broken front view of a control module of the automatedballoonsonde launcher of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a cutaway view of a balloonsonde preconditioning chamber ofa launch module of the automated balloonsonde launcher of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a top views of the launch deck of a launch moduleof the automated balloonsonde launcher of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6A through 6C show a hot-link actuator from the launch deck of thelaunch module of the automated balloonsonde launcher of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional side view of a launch module of theautomated balloon launcher of FIG. 1 in which a balloon is beinginflated;

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an inflatable extender of aprotective cover shown in FIG. 7;

FIGS. 9A through 9G show a launch module of the automated balloonsondelauncher of FIG. 1 taken at discrete times during a launch of aballoonsonde;

FIG. 10 shows a view of one embodiment for attaching the tope end of aballoon to a protective cover to aid inflation of a balloon;

FIGS. 11A through 11D show a one-way valve for inflating a balloon butnot allowing gas to escape back out of the balloon after inflation;

FIG. 12 shows a flow diagram of a first embodiment of a process forlaunching a balloonsonde according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 shows a flow diagram of a second embodiment of a process forlaunching a balloonsonde according to the present invention;

FIGS. 14A and 14B show an embodiment of an apparatus for lowering asonde from a balloon during flight;

FIGS. 15A through 15D show perspective views of a second embodiment ofan automated balloon launcher of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A first embodiment of a balloonsonde launcher system of the presentinvention is shown in FIGS. 1 through 3. In this embodiment, the systemcomprises a distributed platform comprising a control module and one ormore launch modules. The control module comprises a balloon inflatinggas supply, a protective cover, an inflation gas supply and acontroller. The balloon inflation gas supply meters an inflation gaslighter than air (e.g., helium or hydrogen) to a launch module forinflating a balloon. As shown in FIG. 1, the balloon inflation gassupply may comprise a pressure vessel for storing an inflating gas suchas helium or may receive the inflation gas from an external gas supplyand directly meter the gas to the launch module.

A distributed platform, such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is particularlyadvantageous where multiple balloonsondes are to be released betweenservice intervals. The distributed platform embodiment of the presentinvention also allows for increased flexibility because the platform maybe specially-designed to a particular application. For example, wherethe system is installed in an area having limited space (such ason-board a ship), a minimum number of launch modules may be deployed tosupport a particular data acquisition mission and minimize the footprintrequired. Alternatively, where the system is to be installed andautomatically release multiple balloonsondes between servicing, adistributed platform that will meet these requirements can be designed.Thus, if a system is to release a balloonsonde every day, but the systemis preferably only serviced once a week, a distributed platform can bearranged so that the system comprises at least seven launch modules(redundant modules may also be included in the event that one or moremodules fail to successfully launch a balloonsonde). When an operatorservices the modules, the operator installs a new balloon and sonde ineach module and prepares the modules for subsequent launches.

In addition, different launch modules in the system may be adapted tolaunch different-sized balloons and instrument packages from the samelaunch system. The use of specially-designed launch modules also allowsfor smaller spaces specially designed for conditioning particularballoons and instruments prior to launch. These reduced-size spaces inthe launch modules of the present invention are able to reduce powerrequirements for conditioning balloons and/or instruments immediatelyprior to launch instead of providing power to condition a balloon and aninstrument in a large structure sized to hold an inflated balloon.

FIG. 3 shows a control module 20 of a distributed balloonsonde launchersystem of the present invention. The control module 20 controls theoperation of one or more distributed launch modules 40 of the system 10.In one embodiment, the control module is preferably housed in agenerally cylindrical housing 22. The housing 22 comprises a generallysymmetrical outer profile that minimizes the sensitivity of the controlmodule 20 to winds approaching from different directions. The controlmodule 20 comprises a controller 24 for controlling the operation of thedistributed balloonsonde launcher system. The control module furthercomprises one or more tanks for an inflating gas and/or compressed airand sensors for monitoring the one or more tanks. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 3, for example, the control module comprises an inflatinggas tank 26 and a compressed air tank 28. Each tank comprises flowcontrol solenoid valves 30 on the inlet and outlet of the tank, a manualvalve 32 to relieve pressure in the tank when taking the unit out ofservice or transporting it, and sensors such as pressure sensors 34 andtemperature sensors 36. The controller 24 of the control module 20controls the operation of the flow control solenoid valves 30 andmonitors the sensors 34 and 36.

An inflating gas tank 26 is preferably sized so that one complete tank,filled to a relatively low pressure (e.g., 80 to 200 p.s.i.), issufficient to fill one balloon. Thus, the fill time of the tank does notaffect the balloon fill time because one fill cycle is sufficient tocompletely fill the balloon. The controller 24 calculates the necessarytank charging pressure using the sensed temperature of the inflating gasand controls the inlet flow control solenoid valve 30 enough to chargethe tank to that pressure.

The compressed air tank 28, where used, provides compressed air to theinflatable extenders 62 to inflate the protective cover 60 (see, e.g.,FIGS. 9A through 9G). The compressed air tank 28 preferably comprises asufficient gas volume to inflate and maintain the inflatable extenders62 during the launch of a balloon and operates as a buffer for acompressed air supply. In one embodiment, for example, a 4.5 gallon tankprovides a sufficient capacity for inflating and maintaining theinflatable extenders 62 during the launch of a balloon. The buffersystem of the compressed air tank minimizes the power and compressed airrequirements of the control module 20. In applications such as a remoteland-based launch, for example, the buffer system allows for thelauncher system to utilize a small compressor to charge the tank slowlybetween launches instead of requiring a compressor with the capacity toinflate and maintain the inflatable extenders for the duration of thelaunch.

The controller 24 preferably comprises an embedded controller thatinterfaces directly with the local controllers 44 of the launch modules40. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, for example, the controllercommunicates with the local controllers 44 of the launch modules 40 viaa multi-drop serial port along power and control cables 14, although anyother suitable communication link may also be used. The embeddedcontroller further communicates (e.g., via the radio telemetrylink/antenna 45 or the multi-drop serial port along power and controlcables 14) with software run on a personal computer (PC) located in thegeneral area of the radio telemetry equipment that receives informationfrom the sonde. This software, for example, may allow an operatorprogram the overall launch timing sequence or a portion thereof for thesystem. The controller may communicate with the telemetry receivercomputer via a communication link such a radio modem link or any othersuitable communication link. The controller 24 further controls theoperation of components of the control module 20 in preparation for,during and after launch (e.g., reading sensors and controlling tank filland drain flow control solenoid valves), performs system timingoperations to maintain a desired launch schedule, coordinates operationsfor individual launch module actions (e.g., balloon fill, launch,retract), monitors sensors relating to the launch of a balloon (e.g.,micro-weather station 38 to ensure that conditions are within launchparameters) and monitors and reports system errors.

The control module 20 may further comprise one or more sensor(s) 38 fordetecting weather conditions at the location of the control module. Thesensor 38, for example, may comprise a micro-weather station shown inFIG. 3. The weather station, in one embodiment, uses no moving parts andmeasures (1) wind speed, (2) wind direction, (3) relative humidity, (4)barometric pressure, (5) air temperature, (6) two-axis of tilt, magneticnorth and (8) GPS location. The unit provides current weather conditionsto determine whether a launch is possible or advisable (e.g., extremewinds or hard rain). The data from the weather station may also be usedto confirm the sonde's calibration prior to launch.

FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 show a launch module 40 of a distributed balloonsondelauncher system 10. The launch module 40, like the control module 20described above, is preferably generally cylindrical in shape. Again,the generally symmetrical profile of the cylindrical outer shell 42minimizes the sensitivity of the module 40 to winds approaching fromdifferent directions. The launch module further comprises an inner shell46 located inside of the outer shell and generally concentric within theouter shell 42. The inner shell 46 and the outer shell 42 together forman annular space 48 around the perimeter of the launch module 40. Theannular space 48 houses a protective cover 60 that protects the balloonfrom puncture or tearing while it is being inflated at the launch module(see FIG. 2). The annular space 48 is preferably large enough to ensurethat binding will not occur as the protective cover 60 is deployedduring a launch of a balloon.

As shown in FIG. 4, a launch deck 50 is located within the inner shellat or near the top to the launch module 40. The launch deck 50 comprisesa fill tube 52 for attaching to and inflating a balloon 54. The launchdeck 50 is preferably near the top of the launch module 40 so that asthe balloon 54 is inflated, the body of the balloon 54 is clear of theouter shell 42 of the launch module 40 and does not press up against theouter shell 42 of the launch module 40. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, thefill tube 52 of the launch deck 52 comprises an outer rim 53 that holdsthe balloon in place while it is being filled and retracts to releasethe balloon when the balloon has been filled. A mechanical switch 56controls the extension and retraction of the outer rim 53 of the filltube 52. When the switch is in a first position, shown in FIG. 5A, theouter rim 53 is extended out over the mandrel to hold a balloon over themandrel 55 so that the balloon can be inflated. When the switch is movedto a second position, shown in FIG. 5B, the outer rim 53 of the filltube 52 retracts below the mandrel 55 to release the balloon from thelaunch deck.

In one embodiment of a balloonsonde launcher, the mechanical switch isactivated by a hot-link actuator 70. When the balloon is installed inthe launch module 40, the balloon is attached to the mandrel 55 andlocked into place by the outer rim 53 of the fill tube 52 by sliding themechanical switch 56 to the first, locked position. A hot-link actuator70 is attached to the mechanical switch 56 to hold the switch in thefirst, locked position until the actuator 70 is activated. The hot-linkactuator 70, shown in more detail in FIGS. 6A through 6C, comprises ameltable high-tensile-strength wire 72 that extends between twoelectrical contacts 74. The hot-link actuator 70 further comprises aprotective shroud (e.g., a plastic shroud) 76 that protects the balloonfrom sparks or from the hot wire 72 when the actuator is activated. Aspring 78 biasing the actuator along the axis of the wire 72 is held ina compressed state by the wire 72. The hot-link actuator 70 is connectedat a first end at a fixed connector on the launch deck 50 and the secondend is connected to a sliding connector that forms a slidable mechanicalswitch for releasing the balloon. When the balloon is ready for release,the hot-link actuator 70 is activated to release the balloon from thelaunch deck 50 by flowing current through the wire 72 via the contacts74 to melt the wire 72. When the wire 72 melts, the spring 78 forces thesliding connector away from the fixed connector 56 and retracts theouter rim 53 from the mandrel 55 to release the balloon from the launchdeck 50.

The launch module 40 receives one or more utilities 80 for use inlaunching a balloon. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, forexample, the launch module receives power and control signals via powerand control cables 14, an inflating gas, such as helium, via aninflating gas supply line 16 and compressed air via a compressed airsupply line 18. The launch module 40 further comprises a localcontroller 44 and flow control solenoid valves 82 for dispensing theinflating gas and compressed air as needed for launching a balloon. Thelocal controller 44 of the launch module 40 operates under the controlof the controller 24 of the control module 20 (see FIG. 1). The localcontroller 44 of the launch module 40 communicates with the controller24 as described above and manages the operation of the launch module 20.For example, the launch controller manages the inflation and deflationof the inflatable extenders 62 as well as the inflation and release ofthe balloon 54. The local controller 44 further opens and closes the lidof the launch module 40, heats the preconditioning chamber 84 activatesthe sonde and opens the sealed sonde storage chamber 86. The localcontroller preferably comprises embedded firmware for controlling theoperations of the launch module 40.

As shown in FIG. 4, the launch module 40 further comprises a sondeconditioning chamber 84. The sonde conditioning chamber 84 comprises asealed sonde compartment 86 in which an operator may install a sonde forrelease. The sonde 88 may comprise a commercially available sonde, suchas those available from Vaisala and Sippican, or may comprise aspecially designed sonde. The sonde 88, in one embodiment, comprises aninstrument 90, a battery 92, such as the water-activated battery shown,a dessicant 94 and a drain 96 for releasing water from the battery 92once it has been activated. The dessicant 94 removes moisture, whenpresent in the sealed sonde compartment 86, to prevent a humidity sensorin the instrument from being degraded and to prevent the battery frombeing prematurely activated. The humidity of the chamber is preferablykept near the conditions when the sonde 88 was installed in thecompartment 86. At a minimum, the humidity is maintained below ambienthumidity conditions. A water reservoir is provided in the sondeconditioning chamber 84 for supplying water to activate the battery 92when a launch is scheduled. The sonde conditioning chamber furthercomprises a launch deck 50 to which a balloon is attached for inflation.The balloon 54 and the sonde 88 are preferably attached to each othervia a balloon release and latch (described below with reference to FIGS.14A through 14B). The launch module 40 further comprises utilities fordelivering an inflating gas and compressed air under control of thelocal controller 44. The local controller controls the operation ofsolenoid valves 82 to direct the inflating gas to the balloon 54 and thecompressed air to the inflatable extenders 62 of the protective cover60.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the present invention in which a balloon54 is inflated within a protective cover 60. The protective cover 60surrounds at least the portion of the balloon 54 extending outside ofthe launch housing 40. The protective cover 60 may be at least partiallyinflated itself, may include inflatable components, such as theinflatable extenders 62 shown in FIG. 7, or may simply provide aprotective cover that is more resilient than the balloon itself. Theprotective cover 60 prevents significant distortion of the balloon 54during the time when the balloon 54 is being inflated and is mostvulnerable. When the balloon 54 has been inflated, the protective cover60 is opened and allows the balloon with an attached sonde to bereleased.

In one particular embodiment, for example, the protective cover 60comprises inflatable extenders 62 attached to the protective cover 60 asshown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, the inflatable extenders 62 areattached (e.g., sewn) to the protective cover 60. One skilled in theart, however, would recognize that the inflatable extenders 62 may beattached to the protective cover 60 in any other suitable manner knownin the art or may be incorporated into the protective cover 60. Eachinflatable extender preferably comprises an inflatable tube 100 and oneor more elastic retraction members 102. In the embodiment shown in FIG.8, for example, the protective cover comprises three chambers 106 sewninto the protective cover 60. In this embodiment, an inflatable tube 100extends through the central chamber 108 and an elastic retraction memberextends through each outer chamber 110. As shown in FIGS. 9A through 9G,as the inflatable tube 100 is inflated, the force of the compressed airovercomes the biasing of the elastic retraction members 102 to raise theprotective cover 60 away from the launch module 40. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 7 and 9A through 9G, for example, the protective cover 60comprises five inflatable extenders 62 that, when inflated (e.g., toapproximately 10 p.s.i.), push the protective cover 60 out and upward ina five-legged teepee structure from the launch housing 42. Theprotective cover 60 provides a chamber 112 in which the balloon 54 isinflated with an inflating gas.

The protective cover further comprises an opening 114 located at or nearthe top of the protective cover 60 when the inflatable extenders 62 areinflated and a release mechanism 116 for opening the chamber 112. Whenthe balloon 54 has been inflated within the chamber 112 formed by theprotective cover 60, the release mechanism 116 opens the chamber 112 sothat the balloon with the attached sonde may be released from theprotective cover. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, for example, therelease mechanism comprises a rope (e.g., a nylon rope) that encirclesthe opening 114 of the protective cover 60. The rope passes through ablock containing a heating coil (e.g., a nichrome wire) that heats whena current is applied. When the opening 114 is to be opened, thecontroller directs a current through the heating coil and melts or burnsthe rope, which releases the opening 114 of the protective cover 60. Asthe release mechanism 116 opens the chamber 112 by releasing the opening114 of the protective cover 60, the inflatable extenders 62 are rapidlydeflated and the elastic retraction members 102 retract the protectivecover 60 toward the launch module 40 and exposes the balloon 54.

The protective cover 60 may also comprise a connector 120 attached tothe top of the cover 60 for attaching to the balloon 54. As theprotective cover is raised away from the launch module 40, the connector120 unfolds the balloon 54 and extends the balloon vertically from thelaunch deck 50. By extending the balloon 54, the protective cover 60eases the inflation of the balloon 54 and prevents the balloon frombeing caught on other components of the launch module 40. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 10, for example, the protective cover 60comprises an elastic (silastic) tube 31 attached to the top of theprotective cover 60 and looped loosely around a rolled portion 57 of thetop of the balloon 54. As the balloon inflates, the portion of theballoon in the loop unrolls and rolls the elastic tubing off the balloon54. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, the balloon 54 may comprise aneyelet 122 attached to the top of the balloon for attaching to theprotective cover 60. In this embodiment, the eyelet 122 is preferablyattached to the release mechanism 116 of the protective cover 60 so thatas the top of the protective cover 60 is opened, the eyelet 122 is alsoreleased from the protective cover 60.

The protective cover 60 preferably comprises a material such as Tyvek™or polyethylene that provides a tough puncture-resistant protectivelayer over the balloon when it is being inflated yet also provides arelatively low coefficient of friction with the surface of the balloon.Thus, when the release mechanism 116 releases the opening 114 of theprotective cover 60 and the inflatable extenders 62 are deflated, theprotective cover 60 preferably slides easily off the surface of theballoon 54 as the protective cover 60 falls away from the balloon 54.

In one embodiment, the protective cover 60 retracts into the annularspace 48 of the launch module 40 as it retracts so that it is ready fora subsequent balloonsonde launch. Alternatively, the cover of the launchmodule may automatically return the protective cover to the annularspace 48 of the launch module 40.

FIGS. 11A-11D show a valve 130 that may be used in a balloonsondelauncher system of the present invention to inflate the balloon 54. Thevalve 130 comprises a tube 132 formed of a flexible material, such aslatex. The tube 132, when open, forms a channel 134 through which aninflating gas may flow and, when closed, collapses upon itself to closethe channel 134. On a first (inlet) end 136 of the valve 130, the tube132 of the valve 130 extends over a nozzle 138. The nozzle 138 holds thefirst (inlet) end 136 of the valve 130 open so that an inflating gas mayflow into the channel 134. When the inflating gas flows into the channel134 through the nozzle 138 at a pressure greater than the internalpressure of the balloon 54, the inflating gas pressurizes the channel134 and opens the valve 130, allowing the inflating gas to flow into theballoon. When the flow of the inflating gas is stopped, or the internalpressure of the balloon 54, is greater than the pressure of theinflating gas, the tube 132 of the valve 130 collapses and closes thevalve 130 so that gas cannot flow back out of the balloon 54. The nozzle138 comprises a screen 140 that allows the inflating gas to flow throughthe nozzle 138 but prevents the flexible tube from being pushed backinto the nozzle by the pressure in the balloon 54 when the flow ofinflating gas is stopped. The tube 132 may comprise a generallycylindrical shape, as shown in FIGS. 11A through 11D, or may compriseany other shape that, when open, forms a channel 134 through which aninflating gas may be flowed and, when closed, collapses upon itself toprevent the inflating gas from flowing back out of the balloon 54through the channel 134 of the valve. Alternatively, one skilled in theart would recognize that other single-direction valves may be usedwithin the scope of the present invention.

In the distributed platform embodiment (see e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2),individual launch modules 40 are preferably arranged in an array and canbe spaced apart sufficiently to prevent a launch failure in one module(e.g., a snagged balloon or tangled sonde) from adversely affecting theother modules. Any number of launch modules 40 may be attached to aparticular control module 20. Where more than one launch module 40 isconnected to a particular control module 20, the individual launchmodules 40 are connected together in a network with the control module20. In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example,the launch modules 40 are daisy-chained together. Alternatively, thelaunch modules may be connected in parallel or any other connectionmethod known in the art. In one particular embodiment, the launchmodules are tethered together using quick-connectors or end-indifferentquick connectors to minimize the difficulty of connecting the launchmodules 40 to the control module and to maximize the flexibility byallowing for standard interconnects that may be used interchangeablybetween modules.

FIG. 12 shows a flow diagram of a process 150 for launching aballoonsonde according to one embodiment of the present invention. Inthe process 150, a launch sequence is started in operation 152. Thelaunch sequence may be started manually by an operator, such as locallyat a control module or telemetry computer or remotely from a computer orterminal attached to the control module or telemetry computer via anetwork. The launch sequence may also be started automatically, such asby an application running on the controller in the control module, thetelemetry computer or a remote computer attached to the control moduleor telemetry computer via a network. The sonde is loaded into the launchmodule in operation 154.

The process 150 determines whether the weather conditions are acceptablefor a sonde launch in operation 156. This determination may be performedusing one or more of various methods. As shown in FIG. 12, for example,the process determines whether the wind speed is less than apredetermined threshold (40 miles per hour in this example). One skilledin the art, however, would readily recognize that other determinationssuch as a rainfall rate less than a predetermined threshold or queryingan operator may be used to determine whether minimum weather conditionsexist for a successful balloonsonde launch.

The process also performs a sonde check operation 158. The sonde checkoperation 158 may include, for example, particular operations fordetermining whether a particular type of sonde is operating correctly.If one or more of the tests performed in the sonde check operation 158fail, the process may abort the launch sequence for the particularlaunch module and proceed to initiate a launch sequence for anotherlaunch module (if one is available) in operation 176. If the tests ofthe sonde performed by the sonde check operation 158 indicate that thesonde is operating correctly, however, the process 150 proceeds with thelaunch sequence to operation 178.

The sonde check operation 158 comprises one or more tests to determinewhether the sonde to be launched in a launch module is operatingsatisfactorily. Depending upon the particular sonde to be launched, thetests may be tailored to test the operation of that type of sonde. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 12, for example, the sonde check operation158 comprises a determination whether sonde calibration coefficientshave been entered into the receiver station in operation 160. The sondecheck operation 158 further comprises a sounding session, which isinitiated in operation 162. The water-activated battery is filled anddrained in operation 164 to activate the power supply for the sonde. Thesonde check operation 158 also determines whether the battery filloperation 164 was successfully completed in operation 166. The sondecheck operation 158 also determines whether the sonde power is operatingat a satisfactory level in operation 168. In operation 170, the sondecheck operation 158 tests whether the transmitter of the sonde isoperating satisfactorily. The sonde check operation 158 further testswhether data communication is operating correctly in operation 172 andcompares the data to an external source (a local weather station in thisembodiment) in operation 174.

The process 150 also calculates the balloon fill volume based on knowntank volume, pressure and temperature in operation 178. Based on thesecalculations, the process 150 then fills the helium tank and thecompressed air tank in operations 180 and 182, respectively. The processfurther tests the pressure of the helium tank and compressed air tank inoperations 184 and 188, respectively. If the pressure of the helium tankand/or the compressed air tank are not correct (e.g., within acalculated range or above/below a calculated threshold), the process 150discontinues at operation 186. As shown in FIG. 12, the process 150 mayplace itself in a hold state until the pressure of the helium andcompressed air tanks are corrected and send an error message indicatingthe problem. Such an error message, for example, may comprise a messageto a technician or an operator. In this embodiment, the process 150 mayremain in the hold state until the error is cleared (as shown in FIG.12) or may abort after a time-out occurs. In the event that the processaborts, after the time-out occurs, the process 150 may terminate thelaunch sequence or may proceed to operation 176 to initiate a launchsequence for another launch module (if the other launch module isavailable and includes separate helium and/or compressed air tanks).

If the pressures of the helium tank and compressed air tank are bothcorrect, however, the process 150 initiates erecting the protectivecover (e.g., by inflating the inflatable extenders) in operation 190.The process 150 also initiates the inflation of the balloon in operation192. The inflation of the balloon may coincide with or overlap theerection of the protective cover or may commence after the protectivecover has been completely erected (e.g., by completely inflating theinflatable extenders). In one particular embodiment, for example, theinflation of the balloon is delayed until the protective cover is atleast partially erected. In this manner, the protective cover is able toextend the balloon (as described above with reference to FIG. 7) andprovides a resilient structure in which the balloon is inflated.

Process 150 monitors the buoyancy of the balloon during inflation inoperation 194 to determine if the balloon properly inflated and is readyfor release. If the balloon is properly inflated, the process 150terminates the inflation in operation 196 and proceeds to operation 198.If the balloon is not properly inflated within a predetermined time outperiod, however, the process 150 may place itself in a hold state byproceeding to operation 186. The process 150 may also send an errormessage indicating the problem. Such an error message, for example, maycomprise a message to a technician or an operator. In this embodiment,the process 150 may remain in the hold state until the error is cleared(as shown in FIG. 12) or may abort after a time-out occurs. In the eventthat the process aborts, after the time-out occurs, the process 150 mayterminate the launch sequence or may proceed to operation 176 toinitiate a launch sequence for another launch module (if another launchmodule is available).

After the process 150 has terminated the balloon inflation, the processproceeds to determine whether the sonde is still successfullytransmitting data. If the sonde is no longer successfully transmittingthe data, the process 150 may proceed to operation 176, abort the launchsequence for the particular launch module and proceed to initiate alaunch sequence for another launch module (if one is available). If thesonde is still transmitting data correctly, however, the process 150proceeds with the launch sequence to operation 200 and initiates a datalog operation in which the data is stored on a data storage device, suchas the disk identified in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12.

Process 150 then retracts the protective cover in operation 202. In theembodiment described above with respect to FIGS. 7 and 9A through 9G,for example, this may be accomplished by releasing the top opening ofthe protective cover and deflating the inflatable extenders. This allowsthe elastic members to retract and exposes the balloon in preparationfor launch. The process 150 then releases the balloon in operation 204.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show a balloonsonde being released from the automatedballoonsonde launcher. As the balloon 54 is released, the sonde 88 isattached to the balloon via a spool 220. The spool 220 is attached tothe balloon 54 and is held in a locked configuration by a pin 222 whenthe balloon 54 is released from the launcher. The pin 222 is attached tothe launcher via a tether 224. As the balloon 54 rises away from thelauncher, the pin remains engaged in the spool until the tether reachesa taught position. As the balloon 54 rises past the reach of the tether224, the tether 224 pulls the pin 222 from the spool 220 and unlocks acable 226 from the spool 220. The cable 226 of the spool 220 unwinds andlets the sonde 88 fall farther away from the balloon 54 as it rises awayfrom the launcher. In this manner, the sonde 88 is held close to theballoon 54 as the balloon 54 is released from the launcher so that thesonde 88 and the cable 226 supporting the sonde do not get tangled onthe launcher or other nearby objects during or shortly after a launch.Once the balloon 54 is sufficiently far enough away from the launcher,however, the sonde 88 is lowered from the balloon 54 so that the sonde88 is able to detect atmospheric conditions without being affected bythe wake of the balloon.

After releasing the balloon, the process 150 proceeds to operation 206in which the process monitors data received from the sonde. The processcontinues to monitor the data until it is determined that the flight hasbeen completed in operation 208. The flight may be determined to becomplete using one or more factors such as flight time, altitude, lossof signal, balloon popping or the like. When the flight is complete, theprocess terminates the data log to the data storage device (e.g., disk)in operation 210, readies the system for the next release (if anotherlaunch module is available) in operation 212 and returns to operation152 when the next release is scheduled.

FIGS. 15A through 15D show an alternative embodiment of a portableballoonsonde launcher system 240 of the present invention. The portableballoonsonde launcher system comprises a single housing 242 containingthe components of the control module and the launch module of theprevious embodiment. The portable balloonsonde launcher system 240, forexample, comprises a controller for controlling the launch sequence, aninflating gas reservoir for providing an inflating gas to a balloon andsolenoid valves for controlling the flow of the inflating gas into thereservoir and from the reservoir to the balloon. As shown in FIGS. 15Athrough 15D, the portable balloonsonde launcher 240 preferably compriseswheels 244 for moving the launcher 240 to a desired launch site.

The portable balloonsonde launcher 240 further comprises a protectivecover 246 that protects the balloon 54 from puncture and tearing whileit is being inflated at the launcher 240. As shown in FIGS. 15A through15D, the protective cover 246 need not include the inflatable extendersdescribed above with respect to the distributed balloonsonde launcher10. In this embodiment, as the balloon is inflated with the inflatinggas, the balloon 54 extends within the protective cover 246. Asdescribed above with respect to the distributed balloonsonde launcher,the protective cover 246 comprises a release mechanism 248 for openingthe top of the protective cover 246 so that the balloon may be released.As the opening of the protective cover is released, the launcher 240 mayfurther comprise weights located inside the protective cover, which arereleased outside housing 242 and pull the protective cover down aroundthe balloon 54. Alternatively, elastic members, such as described above,may be installed in the protective cover 246 which pull the protectivecover 246 down around the balloon 54 when the opening is released.

In one embodiment, the balloon 54 and protective cover 246 may bedisposable. In this embodiment, the balloon 54 comes pre-loaded in aprotective cover 246 that may be attached to the launcher 240 (e.g., tohousing 242 or to a launch deck). After the balloon 54 is launched theprotective cover 246 may be removed from the launcher and discarded orrecycled and used with another balloon. In one embodiment, for example,the balloon 54 is located inside the protective cover 246 and thecombined balloon 54 and protective cover 246 are loaded into a tube thatis connected to the launcher 240. When the balloon is inflated, both theprotective cover 246 and the balloon lift out of the tube as shown inFIGS. 15A through 15D.

The portable balloonsonde launcher may further comprise a dockingstation to which the launcher 240 is temporarily attached to utilitiessuch as power and an inflating gas in preparation for launch, anddisconnected from to be moved to the desired launch site. On a shipdeck, for example, a docking station may be located near the utilitylocations on the ship and the launcher, after it has been prepared for alaunch may be wheeled to the most advantageous side of the deck forlaunching a balloon depending upon wind conditions, ship direction, andthe like. The docking station, for example, may comprise a connection,such as a quick connection gas fitting to a helium gas supply. The quickconnection preferably would maintain seals for both the docking stationsupply line and the launch module tank when the launch module isdisconnected from the docking station. The docking station may furthercomprise similar fittings for compressed air in embodiments which usecompressed air for inflatable extenders. The docking station alsopreferably provides electrical power for charging an energy storagedevice (e.g., a battery) of the launch module while it is connected tothe docking station.

FIG. 13 shows a flow diagram of a process 250 for launching aballoonsonde according to the second embodiment of the present inventioncorresponding to a portable balloon launcher described above withreference to FIGS. 15A through 15D. In the process 250, a launchsequence is started in operation 280. As described above with referenceto FIG. 12, the process 250 may be started manually or automatically.The process determines whether the battery of the portable launcher issufficiently charged in operation 254. If the battery charge isinsufficient, the process delays the process 250 in operation 252 tocontinue charging the battery of the portable launcher. Once the process250 has determined that the battery is sufficiently charged, the process250 fills the helium holding tank in the launcher. Where the portableballoon launcher system comprises a docking station, for example, thedocking station may comprise utilities for preparing the portablelauncher for operation (e.g., battery charger circuit, inflating gassupply and the like). When the portable launcher is charged and loadedwith an inflating gas, the portable launcher is transported to a launchlocation in operation 258. The portable launcher, where desired, mayoptionally be secured at the launch location. Onboard a ship, forexample, the portable launcher may be secured to a railing or anotherfixed location. The portable launcher may also be secured in someembodiments by locking or removing the wheels where a fixed object, suchas a railing, is not available or needed.

The process 250 initiates a launch sequence in operation 262. A sonde isloaded into the portable launcher in operation 264. A disposableballoon-bag unit is attached to the control module in operation 266. Theprocess 250 also determines whether the weather conditions areacceptable for a sonde launch in operation 268. As described above withreference to FIG. 12, this determination may be performed using one ormore of various methods such as determining whether the wind speed isless than a predetermined threshold (e.g., 40 miles per hour) or otherdeterminations as described above.

As described above, the process also performs a sonde check operation269. The sonde check operation 269 may include, for example, particularoperations for determining whether a particular type of sonde isoperating correctly. If one or more of the tests performed in the sondecheck operation 269 fail, the process may place itself in a hold stateuntil the problem is corrected. The process 250 may also send an errormessage indicating the problem. The error message may, for example,comprise a message to a technician or an operator or may display on acontrol panel of the portable launcher. The process 250 may remain in ahold state until the error is cleared, may abort the launch sequenceimmediately (as shown in FIG. 13) or may abort the launch sequence aftera time-out occurs. If the tests of the sonde performed by the sondecheck operation 269 indicate that the sonde is operating correctly,however, the process 250 proceeds with the launch sequence to operation290.

The process 250 also calculates the balloon fill volume based on knowntank volume, pressure and temperature. The process 250 tests thepressure of the helium tank in operation 294. If the pressure of thehelium tank is not correct (e.g., within a calculated range orabove/below a calculated threshold), the process 250 discontinues atoperation 282. As shown in FIG. 13, the process 250 may place itself ina hold state until the pressure of the helium tank is corrected and sendan error message indicating the problem. The error message, for example,may comprise a message to a technician or an operator. In thisembodiment, the process 250 may remain in the hold state until the erroris cleared, may abort the launch sequence immediately (as shown in FIG.13) or may abort the launch sequence after a time-out occurs.

If the pressure of the helium tank is correct, however, the process 250begins inflating the balloon in operation 296. The process 250 monitorsthe buoyancy of the balloon during inflation in operation 298 todetermine if the balloon properly inflated and is ready for release. Ifthe balloon is properly inflated, the process 250 terminates theinflation in operation 300 and proceeds to operation 302. If the balloonis not properly inflated within a predetermined time out period,however, the process 250 may place itself in a hold state by proceedingto operation 282. As described above, the process 250 may also send anerror message indicating the problem. The process 250 may remain in thehold state until the error is cleared (as shown in FIG. 13) or may abortafter a time-out occurs.

After the process 250 has terminated the balloon inflation, the processproceeds to determine whether the sonde is still successfullytransmitting data in operation 302. If the sonde is no longersuccessfully transmitting the data, the process 250 may place itself ina hold state by proceeding to operation 282. If the sonde is stilltransmitting data correctly, however, the process 250 proceeds with thelaunch sequence to operation 304 and initiates a data log operation inwhich the data is stored on a data storage device, such as the diskidentified in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13.

Process 250 then retracts the protective cover in operation 306. In theportable launcher embodiment of FIGS. 15A through 15D, for example, theretraction of the protective cover may comprise releasing a top openingof the protective cover and retracting the protective cover down towardsthe portable launcher. The process 250 then releases the balloon inoperation 308. As described above with respect to FIGS. 14A through 14B,the balloonsonde is preferably released so that the sonde is initiallyheld close to the balloon and then after the balloon is further from thelauncher, the sonde is extended away from the balloon.

After releasing the balloon, the process 250 proceeds to operation 310in which the process monitors data received from the sonde. The processcontinues to monitor the data until it is determined that the flight hasbeen completed in operation 312. When the flight is complete, theprocess terminates the data log to the data storage device (e.g., disk)in operation 314, readies the system for the next release in operation316 and returns to the START operation 280.

Although the present invention has been described in conjunction withits preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications andvariations may be resorted to without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as those skilled in the art readily understand.Such modifications and variations are considered to be within thepurview and scope of the invention and the appended claims.

1. An automated method of launching a balloon comprising: providing acollapsible protective cover comprising a flexible material forming aninner region; providing a balloon; inflating the balloon under thedirection of a controller, wherein at least a portion of said balloon isinflated within at least a portion of said inner region of saidprotective cover; opening at least a portion of said protective coverforming an opening in said protective cover; and releasing said balloonthrough said opening of said inflatable structure.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising at least partially inflating said protectivecover.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein said operation of at leastpartially inflating said protective cover is initiated prior to saidstep of inflating said balloon.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein saidoperation of at least partially inflating said protective cover extendsat least a portion of said protective cover outside of a protectivehousing.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein said operation of at leastpartially inflating said protective cover extends said balloon from afirst configuration to a second configuration.
 6. The method of claim 5,wherein said first configuration comprises a packed configuration andsaid second configuration comprises an at least partially extendedconfiguration.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein said operation ofinflating said balloon is initiated after said balloon is extended fromsaid first configuration to said second configuration.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said flexible material is provided within in aprotective housing.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein said balloon isprovided extending at least partially within said inner region of saidprotective cover.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein said balloon isreleasably attached to at least a portion of said protective cover. 11.The method of claim 10, wherein said balloon is releasably attached tosaid at least a portion of said protective cover via a loop wrappedaround a portion of said balloon.
 12. The method of claim 8, whereinsaid balloon is releasably attached to said protective housing.
 13. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said flexible material comprises at least oneof a polyethylene material and a Tyvek material.
 14. The method of claim1, wherein said balloon comprises a weather balloon.
 15. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said protective cover comprises at least one extenderfor extending said protective cover from a first configuration to asecond configuration.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said firstconfiguration comprises a packed configuration and said secondconfiguration comprises an at least partially extended configuration.17. The method of claim 15, wherein said at least one extender comprisesan inflatable extender.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein saidinflatable extender comprises an inflatable support structure attachedto said flexible material of said protective cover.
 19. The method ofclaim 18, wherein said protective cover comprises a biasing structurefor biasing said protective cover towards said first configuration. 20.The method of claim 15, wherein said protective cover comprises abiasing structure for biasing said protective cover towards said firstconfiguration.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein said biasingstructure comprises an elastic material for retracting said protectivecover.
 22. The method of claim 1, wherein said protective cover isbiased toward a retracted configuration.
 23. The method of claim 22,wherein said protective cover is at least partially extended from apacked configuration when said operation of inflating said balloon iscompleted.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein said protective cover isretracted from said at least partially extended configuration when saidoperation of opening at least a portion of said protective cover isperformed.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein said balloon extendsthrough said opening of said protective cover following said operationof retracting said protective cover from said at least partiallyextended configuration.
 26. The method of claim 1, wherein saidoperation of opening at least a portion of said protective covercomprises passing a current through a wire.
 27. The method of claim 26,wherein said wire comprises a nichromium wire.
 28. The method of claim26, wherein said current heats said wire.
 29. The method of claim 28,wherein said heated wire melts a link to open at least a portion of saidprotective cover.
 30. A balloon launcher comprising: a collapsibleprotective cover comprising a flexible material forming an inner region;a gas inlet for receiving a gas; a gas outlet for mating with a balloon;a valve operable between said gas inlet and said gas outlet forinflating a balloon with said gas within said inner region of saidcollapsible protective cover; a controller adapted to control said valveto inflate a balloon within said protective cover, to open an opening insaid protective cover and to release a balloon through said opening insaid protective cover.
 31. The balloon launcher of claim 30, whereinsaid protective cover comprises an inflatable extender for extendingsaid protective cover.
 32. The balloon launcher of claim 31, whereinsaid controller is further adapted to control a second valve to inflatesaid inflatable extender.
 33. The balloon launcher of claim 30, whereinsaid controller is further adapted to at least partially inflate saidprotective cover.
 34. The balloon launcher of claim 30, wherein saidprotective cover is provided within in a protective housing.
 35. Theballoon launcher of claim 30, wherein said protective cover comprises ameans for releasably engaging a portion of a balloon.
 36. The balloonlauncher of claim 35, wherein said means for releasably engaging aportion of a balloon comprises a loop attached to said protective coverfor wrapping around a portion of a balloon.
 37. The balloon launcher ofclaim 30, wherein said flexible material comprises at least one of apolyethylene material and a Tyvek material.
 38. The balloon launcher ofclaim 30, wherein said protective cover comprises at least one extenderfor extending said protective cover from a first configuration to asecond configuration.
 39. The balloon launcher of claim 38, wherein saidfirst configuration comprises a packed configuration and said secondconfiguration comprises an at least partially extended configuration.40. The balloon launcher of claim 38, wherein said at least one extendercomprises an inflatable extender.
 41. The balloon launcher of claim 40,wherein said inflatable extender comprises an inflatable supportstructure attached to said flexible material of said protective cover.42. The balloon launcher of claim 41, wherein said protective covercomprises a biasing structure for biasing said protective cover towardssaid first configuration.
 43. The balloon launcher of claim 38, whereinsaid protective cover further comprises a biasing structure for biasingsaid protective cover towards said first configuration.
 44. The balloonlauncher of claim 43, wherein said biasing structure comprises anelastic material for retracting said protective cover.
 45. The balloonlauncher of claim 30, wherein said protective cover is biased toward aretracted configuration.
 46. A balloon launcher comprising: a fill tubecomprising a mandrel for inflating a balloon and a retractable rim; aswitch comprising a fixed first member and a sliding second memberhaving a first configuration for locking a balloon to said mandrel and asecond configuration for retracting said rim to release a balloon fromsaid mandrel; an actuator comprising a first electrical contactconnected to said fixed first member of said switch, a second electricalcontact connected to said sliding second member of said switch, ameltable wire connecting said first electrical contact to said secondelectrical contact and a biasing means for biasing said contacts in anoutwardly radial direction; and a controller for controlling the flow ofa gas through said mandrel to inflate a balloon and for applying acurrent to said actuator when the balloon is inflated, wherein saidcurrent melts said meltable wire and said biasing means extends saidactuator to change a state of said switch from said first configurationto said second configuration.
 47. A balloon launcher comprising: ahousing comprising a release valve for filling a balloon with aninflating gas and for releasing a balloon after it has been inflated; atether attached to said housing; a pin attached to said tether forreleasably engaging a spool connecting a balloon and a sonde, whereinsaid pin, when engaged, prevents said spool from unwinding and, whendisengaged, allows said spool to unwind and distance said sonde from aballoon.
 48. A method for inflating a balloon comprising: providing anozzle comprising an inlet and an outlet; providing a balloon having anopening, the opening being attached around the outlet of the nozzle;providing a flexible tube comprising a first end and a second end, thefirst end being attached to the outlet of the nozzle inside the openingof the balloon and the second end extending into the a neck of theballoon away from the nozzle; flowing a gas through the nozzle andflexible tube into the balloon, wherein the pressure of the gasmaintains the second end of the flexible tube in an open configuration;and stopping the flow of gas into the balloon, wherein a pressure of thegas within the balloon collapses the second end of the tube preventinggas from flowing out the inlet of the nozzle.
 49. A balloon having aone-way fill valve comprising: a nozzle comprising an inlet and anoutlet; a balloon having an opening, the opening being attached aroundthe outlet of the nozzle; a flexible tube comprising a first end and asecond end, the first end being attached to the outlet of the nozzleinside the opening of the balloon and the second end extending into thea neck of the balloon away from the nozzle; wherein pressure appliedfrom a gas entering the flexible tube from the nozzle maintains thesecond end of the flexible tube in an open configuration when thepressure applied from the gas entering the flexible tube from the nozzleis greater than an interior pressure in the balloon, and wherein theinterior pressure of the balloon collapses the second end of the tubewhen the interior pressure of the balloon is greater than the pressureapplied from a gas entering the flexible tube from the nozzle is lessthan the interior pressure of the balloon.